May on the lake
As May settles on Lake Como, the landscape undergoes a breathtaking transformation. The vibrant greens of spring deepen, and the air becomes heavy with the scent of blooming azaleas and wisteria trailing over stone walls. Sunlight lingers longer on the water, turning the lake into a shimmering expanse of sapphire and gold. It is a month of transition, where the crispness of early spring gives way to the warm, sultry embrace of the coming summer. May invites us to step outside, to explore the lesser-known corners of our shores, and to celebrate the first true treasures of the season: the strawberries.
This month, we journey to the "Secret" East Shore to discover the historic charm of Lecco, trace the literary footsteps of Alessandro Manzoni, and ascend for a bird's-eye view of the Larian landscape. In the kitchen, we celebrate Fragole (strawberries), those sun-ripened gems that mark the arrival of the golden months, before whisking them into a light, elegant strawberry tiramisu that feels like May in a bowl.
THE "SECRET" EAST SHORE: LECCO
While the central lake villas command much of the attention, the eastern branch offers a more rugged, authentic beauty that remains a favorite for those seeking the lake's quieter soul. Lecco, framed by the dramatic limestone peaks of the Resegone and San Martino, is a city of wind, mountains, and deep literary roots. May is the perfect window to explore this "secret" shore before the heat of high summer settles into the valley.
Walking the Long Lakeshore: Begin your morning with a stroll along one of the longest and most scenic promenades on the lake. The path stretches for miles, offering uninterrupted views of the mountains diving into the water. Stop at one of the lakeside benches near the statue of San Nicolò to watch the colorful sails of the regate catching the morning breeze.
Tracing "The Betrothed" (I Promessi Sposi): Lecco is the setting for Italy's most famous novel. Follow the literary path to the Villa Manzoni, the childhood home of Alessandro Manzoni, which now serves as a Museum. From there, wander toward the district of Pescarenico, a charming fishermen's hamlet that still retains the atmospheric "Manzonian" spirit described in the 19th-century masterpiece.
Climbing the Bell Tower: For the most spectacular view in the region, head to the Basilica of San Nicolò and climb "Il Matitone" (The Big Pencil), the city's iconic octagonal bell tower. At 96 meters high, it is one of the tallest bell towers in Lombardy. The ascent reveals a stunning 360-degree panorama of the lake, the city's red-tiled roofs, and the surrounding Alpine crown.
The Bridge of Azzone Visconti: Walk across the historic "Old Bridge," built in the 14th century by the Visconti to control the strategic crossing of the Adda. It remains an engineering marvel of the medieval era and offers a unique perspective on where the lake narrows back into the river.
Ingredient of the Month: Fragole (Strawberries)
In the Italian garden, Fragole are the sun-ripened gems that announce the definitive arrival of the golden months. While greenhouse varieties appear early, the true May strawberry, grown in the fertile soils of the foothills, is a revelation of fragrance and concentrated sweetness. Historically, strawberries have been prized in Lombardy not just as a fruit, but as a symbol of love and the fleeting beauty of spring.
A staple of the May table, they require very little to be extraordinary. Whether macerated in a splash of lemon and sugar or served with a dollop of fresh cream, they bring a bright, acidic lift that cuts through the richness of spring cheeses and creamy desserts. In our kitchen, we wait for the moment when the scent of ripe strawberries fills the market stalls, signaling that it is finally time for the season's most celebrated sweets.
Here are four ways to enjoy peas:
Granita di Fragole: A refreshing, icy treat made with pureed strawberries and a hint of lemon, perfect for a sunny afternoon on the terrace.
Crostata di Fragole: A classic Italian shortcrust tart filled with silky pastry cream and topped with a mosaic of fresh, glazed strawberries.
Chocolate Dipped Strawberries: Large, ripe berries dipped in dark bittersweet chocolate and chilled, a simple yet sophisticated finish to any meal.
Macedonia di Fragole: A simple fruit salad of strawberries macerated with a touch of aged balsamic vinegar and fresh mint to enhance their natural depth.
RECIPE OF THEMONTH: TIRAMISÙ ALLE FRAGOLE
While the traditional espresso-soaked tiramisu is a year-round classic, the Tiramisu alle Fragole is its elegant, sun-drenched cousin, a world apart from both the coffee original and the Pandoro Tiramisu we shared at Christmas. This version replaces the dark bitterness of coffee with a bright, homemade strawberry syrup, and swaps cocoa powder for the vibrant red of fresh berries. It is a recipe that featured prominently in our 2024 summer classes, quickly becoming a guest favorite for its surprising lightness and the way it brings a sense of joyful abundance to the table.
We love this dish because it is the epitome of refined simplicity. The creaminess of the mascarpone is balanced by the tartness of the berries, creating a dessert that is rich yet remarkably refreshing. It is a tradition worth keeping as the days grow warmer, especially when served in individual glass coupes to showcase the beautiful layers of cream, sponge, and fruit.
Ingredients (serves 8):
300g fresh strawberries, hulled and sliced
500g (1 large tub) high-quality Mascarpone cheese
4 large eggs, separated
4 tbsp caster sugar
2 tsp Vanilla extract
8 Savoiardi (Ladyfingers) cookies
Juice of 1/2 a lemon
1 tbsp Maraschino liqueur or orange liqueur (optional)
Finely grated zest of 1/2 an orange
Fresh mint leaves for garnish
Instructions:
Prepare the Strawberry Dip: Place about 100g of the strawberries in a blender with 1 tablespoons of the sugar and the lemon juice. Pulse until smooth. Pour into a shallow bowl and stir in the optional liqueur. This vibrant "juice" will be your dipping liquid.
Slice the rest of the strawberries and set aside
Whisk the Whites: In a clean bowl, whisk the egg whites with a pinch of salt until they reach stiff peaks.
Whisk the Yolks: In another large bowl, whisk the egg yolks with the Mascarpone, vanilla extract, the remaining sugar and orange zest until pale and thick.
Carefully fold the whites into the Mascarpone mixture using a spatula, do this in two parts, and do it slowly to keep the mixture light and airy.
The Assembly: Dip each ladyfinger into the strawberry dip for just a second (don't let them get mushy) and create a single layer in the bottom of your dish or individual glasses.
The Layers: Top the ladyfingers with a layer of the Mascarpone mixture, followed by a generous scattering of the remaining sliced strawberries. Repeat the layers one more time, finishing with a layer of the Mascarpone mixture.
The Rest: Cover and refrigerate for at least 3 hours, though overnight is ideal to allow the flavors to meld
The Finish: Just before serving, decorate the top with a few whole strawberries and a sprig of fresh mint.
Why We Love It: This tiramisu is May in a spoonful. We love how the orange zest and lemon juice lift the richness of the Mascarpone, making the whole dessert feel ethereal rather than heavy. It captures the transition of the season, the creamy comfort we crave in spring meeting the bright, juicy promise of summer fruit. It is a dish that truly surprises and delights, even for those who think they only love the coffee original.
Wine Pairing: To complement the delicate sweetness of the strawberries and the silkiness of the cream, we suggest a glass of Prosecco Rosé. The fine bubbles and notes of wild berries and rose petals in the wine echo the fruit in the dish, while the crisp finish provides a refreshing contrast to the rich Mascarpone.
As the May sun lingers over Monte Resegone and the scent of jasmine begins to drift from the gardens of the "Secret" East Shore, we hope you find a moment to discover the hidden beauty of the coast. May your month be filled with long walks, the season's sweetest fruit, and the simple joy of a table shared in the golden light.
See you on the lake,
The Lake Como Kitchen Experience Team